Zechariah 13

New International Reader's Version

The Lord Makes Israel Pure and “Clean”

13 “At that time a fountain will be opened for the benefit of David’s family line. It will also bless the others who live in Jerusalem. It will wash away their sins. It will make them pure and ‘clean.’

²“On that day I will remove the names of other gods from the land. They will not even be remembered anymore,” announces the Lord who rules over all. “I will drive the evil prophets out of the land. I will get rid of the spirit that put lies in their mouths. ³Some people might still prophesy. But their own fathers and mothers will speak to them. They will tell them, ‘You must die. You have told lies in the Lord’s name.’ When they prophesy, their own parents will stab them.

⁴“At that time every prophet will be ashamed of the vision they see. They will no longer pretend to be a true prophet. They will not put on clothes that are made out of hair in order to trick people. ⁵In fact, each one will say, ‘I’m not really a prophet. I’m a farmer. I’ve farmed the land since I was young.’ ⁶Suppose someone asks, ‘What are these wounds on your body?’ Then they will answer, ‘I was given these wounds at the house of my friends.’

The Good Shepherd Is Killed and the Sheep Are Scattered

⁷“My sword, wake up! Attack my shepherd!
    Attack the man who is close to me,”
    announces the Lord who rules over all.
“Strike down the shepherd.
    Then the sheep will be scattered.
    And I will turn my hand against their little ones.
⁸Here is what will happen in the whole land,”
    announces the Lord.
“Two-thirds of the people will be struck down and die.
    But one-third will be left.
⁹I will put this third in the fire.
    I will make them as pure as silver.
    I will test them like gold.
They will call out to me.
    And I will answer them.
I will say, ‘They are my people.’
    And they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’ ”